At first I thought that packing would be no big deal. I fit three weeks' worth of stuff into a small suitcase for Europe four years ago, and nine months' worth of my life into a couple boxes for college. Then reality kicked in, especially after I went out and got the things the program had on a list. Your own towels, layers (Ecuador isn't always hot because it's about 9,000 feet up in the air, depending on where you are), rain gear, umbrella, hiking boots, Tevas, wipes, plastic bags, Swiss army knife or equivalent, a headlamp, a nice dress, binoculars, a gift for your family, malaria medication, sea-sickness pills, sunscreen... I don't think that's half if it. Add normal clothes, the school books that I had completely forgotten about, and things that I consider essential (peanut butter and running shoes) AND ten extra pairs of socks to leave in the jungle because they will never dry, and... I need to do some downsizing. I'll be lucky if this suitcase weighs less than 100 lbs.; forget making the 50-lb. limit. I also need to hide 150 or so $1 bills in and around my suitcase because no one ever has change (although it's lucky that they use the US dollar). Am I ready? Despite the mess of clothes, boxes, bags and socks littering the loft: YES.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Packing
At first I thought that packing would be no big deal. I fit three weeks' worth of stuff into a small suitcase for Europe four years ago, and nine months' worth of my life into a couple boxes for college. Then reality kicked in, especially after I went out and got the things the program had on a list. Your own towels, layers (Ecuador isn't always hot because it's about 9,000 feet up in the air, depending on where you are), rain gear, umbrella, hiking boots, Tevas, wipes, plastic bags, Swiss army knife or equivalent, a headlamp, a nice dress, binoculars, a gift for your family, malaria medication, sea-sickness pills, sunscreen... I don't think that's half if it. Add normal clothes, the school books that I had completely forgotten about, and things that I consider essential (peanut butter and running shoes) AND ten extra pairs of socks to leave in the jungle because they will never dry, and... I need to do some downsizing. I'll be lucky if this suitcase weighs less than 100 lbs.; forget making the 50-lb. limit. I also need to hide 150 or so $1 bills in and around my suitcase because no one ever has change (although it's lucky that they use the US dollar). Am I ready? Despite the mess of clothes, boxes, bags and socks littering the loft: YES.
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Wow Good Luck! I know I would not be able to do that. I have never went anywhere with 1 suitcase!!!
ReplyDeleteAunt Jane
Do you want some space bags? I have some if you need them. I've never used them and they are in the box still, so not really sure how they work.
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